Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2008
322 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the action he will take to improve emergency access for deaf and hard-of-hearing people to An Garda Síochána; and if he will take steps to introduce a dedicated text messaging service which deaf and hard-of-hearing people can access in an emergency. [7185/08]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am informed by An Garda Síochána that Public Access Call box equipment has been installed at 140 locations. These units have local loop induction facilities which operate with hearing aids. It is planned to install this equipment in the remaining stations during 2008. Portable Loop induction equipment has also been installed in all district Garda Stations thereby allowing people using hearing aids to communicate effectively with the Gardaí on duty.
I am further informed by Garda authorities that they are currently evaluating responses to a tender competition for the provision of a Computer Aided Dispatch System. Among the functional requirements for the system is an SMS service for the deaf community. Implementation of the CAD system will be in two phases with rollout of the system expected to commence in 2010. In the interim An Garda Síochána is currently researching international good practice in emergency access for deaf and hard of hearing people to explore the possibility of providing an SMS service within a shorter timeframe.
